Scottish Premiership champions Celtic have been tipped to make a move for Jeonbuk striker Cho Gue-sung in recent weeks as Ange Postecoglou seeks to strengthen his centre-forward ranks.
What’s the word?
The Scottish Sun recently reported that the Parkhead outfit had joined the race for the South Korea international ahead of the January transfer window, with the Old Firm giants believed to be keen on bolstering their firepower next month.
The 24-year-old has since added fuel to the fire after outlining his desire for a move to Europe in the near future, having only recently played a starring role for his country at the World Cup.
Amid those reports regarding a possible move to Glasgow, transfer insider Dean Jones has provided his verdict on that potential deal, stating that Hoops supporters could be “excited” at the prospect of the clinical marksman joining the club.
The respected journalist told GIVEMESPORT: “Fans will be happy, I think in one sense, to see the club already working and making headway on a new signing.
“He’s really good and I think anyone who has even just watched a highlight reel will be excited about getting him in.”
Maeda upgrade
The 6 foot 3 striker notably caught the eye as a result of his displays on the global stage in recent weeks in Qatar, netting twice in the eventual 3-2 defeat to Ghana in the group stage with two bullet headers after half-time.
Such an impact has not only seen Cho become an “internet sensation” – in the words of The Athletic’s Daniel Taylor – but has also likely added to the 20-cap gem’s list of suitors, having already impressed at club level of late.
The impressive talent scored 21 times in 35 appearances in the most recent campaign in his homeland, with that hot streak ensuring that his overall club career tally stands at 51 goals at senior level to date, having recently spent time on loan at Gimcheon Sangmu in order to carry out his military service.
A forward who plays with a “little bit of swagger“, in the words of journalist Jason Lee, the former FC Anyang star could prove to be a real hit at Celtic if he were to sign on the dotted line in the New Year, with such an addition likely to prove a notable upgrade on current Bhoys marksman Daizen Maeda.
The Japan international – who can feature on the flanks or at centre-forward – has endured a frustrating run in front of goal so far this season, with the 25-year-old having scored just three goals in 15 Premiership outings.
While the January arrival did end the 2021/22 campaign with eight goals and five assists in just 22 appearances, his woes this time around have perhaps illustrated a distinct lack of quality in the final third, having notably missed three big chances in the Champions League group stage, as per Sofascore.
Despite being lauded as a “machine” by Chris Sutton for his relentless work ethic, the former Yokohama F Marinos ace has at times failed to match that energetic nature with a reliable end product, having been dubbed a “headless chicken” by journalist Casey Evans.
Bringing a player with greater finishing prowess into the fold such as Cho could well be the upgrade that Postecoglou and co need, with Maeda – who was withdrawn at half-time at the weekend against Aberdeen – failing to fire at present.
